Duck Call Room: “The First Hunt Without Phil Robertson Hit Different”

Podcast Hosts: Si Robertson & Justin Martin
Episode Date: October 2, 2025

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt and comedic episode of Duck Call Room, the crew gathers in the absence of Phil Robertson, reflecting on what it feels like to experience their first major hunt without him. The episode is filled with the usual blend of banter, hunting stories, and irreverent humor. Longtime traditions are revisited, a new nickname (“Dinghauser”) is born, and there’s more than a little food talk as the guys riff on everything from digital duck stamps to gas station eats. At its core, the show deals with how these shared experiences and changes—like hunting season without Phil—feel oddly off, but the camaraderie keeps spirits high.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Si's Absence and the Old Days of Duck Hunting

[01:17 – 02:18]

• Si Robertson is out with a sinus infection, leading to some classic ribbing about age, family likeness, and bathroom habits.
• The hosts reminisce about how much things have changed: “You look like him, act like him. Bathroom habits the same now.” – Justin Martin [01:42]
• Jokes fly about signing duck stamps “back in the day,” what it meant to hunt, and how technology has simplified legalities now (digital duck stamps).

2. Digital Duck Stamps & Hunting Tech

[03:00 – 04:18, 11:52 – 12:18]

• The group discusses how the requirement for carrying a physical duck stamp has been replaced by digital versions.
• Martin touts the convenience: “It’s always there, no matter if you got service or not.” – Justin Martin [03:17]
• They joke about the trouble of the old system and the way rednecks used to try (but fail) to game the regulations.

3. The Urban Legend of Black Panthers/Jaguars

[04:21 – 06:36, 31:00 – 31:25, 47:59 – 48:10]

• The recurring topic of “black panther” sightings pops up, with the crew debunking viral social media wildlife images.
• “I saw that same picture. Black panther spotted in North Mississippi.” – Jay Stone [05:01]
• The guys joke about fans sending them the same photo from different states, showing just how persistent these rural legends are.

4. Family Updates & Personal Stories

[06:55 – 07:46]

• Discussion of family life: swollen ankles, twins on the way, and Johanna’s cooking.
• “Boy. She can cook there. You good cook, dude.” – John-David Owen [07:13]

5. The First Hunt Without Phil: How Different It Feels

[14:05 – 14:30]

• The milestone is candidly addressed.
• “Yeah, it don't feel right. I can tell you that. It was like a—obviously something missing but like there's a big giant hole at the end of that blind that can't never be filled, though.” – Jay Stone [14:11]
• The sense of loss, awkwardness, and carrying on a tradition is tangible in the group's tone.

6. Nicknaming Tradition: Introducing ‘Dinghauser’

[15:17 – 16:55, 17:27 – 19:21, 19:44 – 20:24]

• Burley’s affectionate and unshakable nicknaming habit is spotlighted.
• The newest target is a kid now known as Dinghauser—“the best one in a minute” as Martin calls it.
• “Speaks that Southern gibberish, you know, like that guy on that show... Boomhauer on King of the Hill.” – Jay Stone [16:10]

7. The Importance of Showing Up for Hard Work

[17:58 – 19:21]

• The crew praises the young guys (John Luke and Christian) for showing up to help with planting and fertilizing ahead of the season, a rare occurrence.

8. Gas Station Cuisine, Regional Food, and Crock Pots

[24:29 – 30:38, 32:11 – 34:07, 44:00 – 45:57]

• An enthusiastic tangent about regional gas station cuisine, especially in the South.
• “Best gas station food around here is in Luna. BJ’s... they got a pit out back where they’re smoking ribs.” – Jay Stone [32:38]
• Extended debate over the merits of mint chocolate chip ice cream, pumpkin spice, crock pot dinners, and the magic of King’s Hawaiian rolls with dove sliders.
• “I could eat a whole bag of them [King’s Hawaiian rolls].” – Hunter [41:25]
• “Crocktober” is jokingly acknowledged as the month for all things crock pot.

9. Resilience of Wildlife (and People)

[29:08 – 30:42]

• Stories about dogs and deer named “Tripod” who adapt after losing a limb.
• “She always had fawns. Like she was a healthy looking deer. She just didn’t have a fourth leg. We didn’t know whatever happened to it.” – Justin Martin [29:08]

10. Music, Culture, and the Super Bowl Halftime Show

[48:42 – 53:15]

• Listener Rachel from Brooklyn, Georgia, asks about favorite songs. Answers range from Matthew West's “Unashamed,” to Whiskey Myers, to Christian rap from Indie Tribe.
• The crew expresses collective bemusement at “Bad Bunny” headlining the Super Bowl.
  • “Turns out it's a guy that speaks Spanish... We're getting too old.” – Justin Martin [51:13, 51:24]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “It was like there’s a big giant hole at the end of that blind that can never be filled.” – Jay Stone on hunting without Phil [14:11]
• “You gotta have somebody like Burley or Phil to hang a nickname.” – Martin [19:21]
• “Best gas station food around here is in Luna—BJ’s... got a pit out back where they’re smoking ribs.” – Jay Stone [32:38]
• “Crocktober is when everybody posts their crock pot recipes.” – Justin Martin [43:38]
• “What happened to Hank Williams Jr.? Everybody ready for some football?” – Jay Stone [53:41]

Timestamps: Key Segments

• [01:17] – Opening banter: Si's absence and old school duck stamps
• [03:00] – Digital duck stamps now, nostalgia for the old method
• [04:21] – Black panther (really jaguar) social media ‘sightings’
• [06:55] – Family health, twins, and memories
• [14:05] – The first hunt without Phil, and what’s missing
• [15:17] – Nicknames and the birth of “Dinghauser”
• [17:58] – The young guys step up for food plot duty
• [24:29] – Gas station food reviews and ice cream debates
• [29:08] – Stories of resilient animals (“Tripod” the deer and dog)
• [32:38] – Highlight: Smoked ribs and BBQ from gas stations
• [43:38] – The gospel of Crocktober and crock pot struggles
• [48:42] – Listener email: Current favorite songs
• [51:13] – On Bad Bunny and Super Bowl halftime generational gap
• [54:03] – Bible verse and closing (“Whoever finds his life will lose it…”)

Core Takeaways

• Tradition Meets Change: The first hunt without Phil is a sea change for these lifelong friends, and they're not shy about admitting it isn't quite the same.
• Laughter as Glue: Even in serious moments or when tradition feels lost, humor and good company keep the Duck Commander family resilient and grateful.
• Food, Music, and Nicknames Matter: Whether it’s a perfect name, a hot dove slider, or a favorite song, these are the rituals that hold this crew together, season after season.

For New Listeners

This episode delivers classic Duck Commander humor and heart, laced with nostalgia, regional flavor, and a candid look at how traditions evolve. Whether you’re a diehard hunter, a fan from the Duck Dynasty days, or just someone who loves rural storytelling, this is a quintessential taste of the Duck Call Room.